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Fairbanks borough rejects union pacts

FAIRBANKS (AP) The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly has rejected contracts negotiated by the borough administration with two unions.

Assembly members blamed a shortfall in state money, called the contracts generous, and said that the government employee unions aren't suffering like private sector unions are.

The contracts with the Alaska Public Employees Association and the Alaska State District Council of Laborers called for a 1.9 percent pay increase next year.

The agreements were rejected in a 6-4 vote.

Borough Mayor Rhonda Boyles told the assembly that the administration was able to gain concessions from the unions in the negotiations. She asked that the same negotiating teams resume talks, and said that she would hire a negotiator if necessary.